All Management Events

Hindustan-Times – July 19

Sakshi – July 19

Andhra-Prabha – July 19

Suryaa – July 19

Visalaandhra – July 19

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The trajectory of trans representation in cinema is essentially critical since the predominant viewers belong to the heteronormative cisgender public. Visual media played a massive role in inculcating the idea of gender identity into the preconditioned entity of heteronormativity. The skill and sympathy of the filmmaker in handling trans issues hold a significant chunk of this representational politics.

The popular media in Kerala has reconfigured its space to include people with gender non-conforming identities and sexual orientation as a matter of concern in contemporary times. However, there are times when the filmmakers fail to understand the assignment. The new research chapter of Assistant Professor Dr Anu Kuriakose, Department of English, articulates the discomfort of seeing the misrepresentation of transgender identity in mainstream cinema. The chapter titled The Hetero- Normalisation of Transgender Identity: A Critique on Njan Marykkutty was published by Cambridge Scholars Publishers, UK (WoS) and belongs to the book Theory and the Transformative Humanities.

Problems that face the humanities discipline today have sparked an intense debate across the globe. The Theory of the transformative humanities envisions a domain of inquiry that attempts to transform cultures, individuals, and society. This volume explores different theoretical perspectives and practical orientations through which to perceive, innovate and transform the world in which we live. It opens diverse fields of thinking and research. It offers a broader perspective on how a critical-literary approach could be deployed in addressing the multidimensional and evolutionary nature of the humanities in a way that caters to the needs of the present. A compilation of scholarly essays on topics as diverse as post-millennial theory, trans-humanities, posthumanism, interdisciplinarity, psychoanalysis, and film studies, the book provides an enabling platform for intellectuals, research scholars, and experts in the humanities to tap into the transformative potential of the field.

This chapter critically examines the representational politics of the central transgender character Marykkutty in the 2018 Malayalam film Njan Marykutty. The release of this film marked an unprecedented debate on transgender identity in Kerala’s public sphere, more specifically, about transwomen’s visibility in the public sphere. This is quite significant, as it has been a moment of the culmination of various activist, academic, and governmental interventions in the state attempt to mainstream the trans identity from the margins of society. She has used visual and thematic analysis as a method to critically look at the visualization of a trans feminine body in this film. The chapter analyses the trans identity in terms of Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, Julia Kristeva’s ‘abject,’ and Jacques Lacan’s notion of ‘object petit a’ or object of desire. It is argued that the excess in normalisation of the transgender body ironically endorses the heterosexual values of the binary gender performance when the surgically re-appropriated body is celebrated, clapped on the big screen, and sensationalised as an achievement when the central character themselves voices, “I am not a transgender, I am a transsexual.”

Heteronormativity safeguards the normalisation of heterosexuality through myriad practices so as to concrete the notion of a legitimate form of sexuality. Dr Anu Kuriakose attempts to denaturalise and denormalise the excessive lauding of heterosexuality in cinema to open up a less distorted corridor to queer desires and identity.

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Yet another moment of pride and honour for SRM University-AP as the Indian National Science Academy (INSA, New Delhi) has sanctioned the Project “Nalanda and Bodhgaya: Understanding the past environment and transnational networks of the World Heritage Sites” to Dr Sharmishtha Chatterjee, Assistant Professor, Department of History with a total outlay of Rs 5 lakhs. The co-investigator of the project is Dr Amrita Saha, Associate Professor and Deputy Director, Amity Institute of Environmental Sciences and Amity Institute of Social Sciences, Amity University, Kolkata. The project is a pioneering initiative to make a comprehensive study of the landscape and environmental factors (physical and cultural) governing the Buddhist World Heritage Sites of Nalanda and Bodhgaya (Bihar, India).

One of the first attempts in South Asia to understand monasteries and monastic complexes in relation to the landscape parameters, the work is distinctive in its scope and methodology because of its multidisciplinary approach involving archaeology, history, and environmental science. It aims for a holistic understanding of the sites and the region. Bodhgaya and Nalanda are two major Buddhist sites of India, the first marking the site of enlightenment of Gautama Buddha and the other being one of the oldest educational institutes of ancient times. Both the sites have been witnessing travellers, pilgrims, students, and religious preachers from the farthest corners of the world.

The foremost objective is to investigate the environmental settings (location, settlement geography, palaeolandscape features, layout of the monastic complexes, dietary patterns) of the monastic sites. This will be executed through the generation of a series of maps by superimposing colonial site plans, old maps, satellite imageries and corroboration of the same with extensive field surveys. The scientific study of the topographic delineations, soil samples, and artefactual evidences would be undertaken in the course of the study.

These attempts would generate a detailed study of the regular lives in the two monastic complexes along with the social and cultural ties established with the lesser-known monasteries and villages of the hinterland area. The project also seeks to explore the local, national, and transnational networks emanating from the sites, thus contributing to a global networking. The project is expected to create frameworks for extending the study to the other monastic complexes across South and Southeast Asia. In the long run the work will be published in the form of an annotated atlas featuring the monastic complexes, the wider geographical hinterland, and the transnational networks between India and Southeast Asia. This would serve as one of the noteworthy contributions that puts forth a holistic study of the cultural landscapes of the World Heritage Sites.

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In future, there is a lot of scope for enhancing the power quality using various controllers whose gains are obtained using different optimisation techniques to mitigate several issues. Assistant Professor Dr Ramanjaneya Reddy, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, envisions this tomorrow through his new research paper PV/WT Integrated System Using Grey Wolf Optimization Technique for Power Quality Improvement. The paper is published in the Process, and Energy Systems Engineering section of the Frontiers in Energy Research journal and has an impact factor 4.008. For this research paper, he has collaborated with Assistant Professor Srikanth Goud, Anurag College of Engineering Ghatkesar, Telangana.

Abstract

This work presents the integration of renewable energy sources such as PV and wind into the grid. Hybrid shunt active power filter (HSHAPF) is optimised with the grey wolf optimisation (GWO) and fractional order proportional integral controller (FOPI) for harmonic reduction under non-linear and unbalanced load conditions. With the use of GWO, the parameters of FOPI are tuned, effectively minimising the harmonics. The proposed model has effectively compensated the total harmonic distortions (THD) when compared with filter, without filter, with passive filter, active power filter with PI controller, and GWO- FOPI-based controller. The performance of the proposed controller is tested under non-linear and unbalanced conditions. The parameters of the FOPI controller are better tuned with the GWO technique. The comparative results reflect the best results of GWO-FOPI based HSHAPF. The suggested controller is built in the MATLAB/Simulink Platform.

Explanation of the research

Power quality (PQ) problems in the distribution system occur when non-linear loads are used. With the development in semiconductor technology, the modelling and usage of power electronic devices are increasing on the end-user side. Because of the usage of power, electronic devices give rise to many problems like a disturbance in reactive power, poor power factor, harmonic distortion, etc. These problems cause severe effects on the distribution system, which results in PQ issues. To mitigate PQ issues, there are many controlling techniques that ensure harmonic free. Initially, passive filter usage was widely considered for harmonic elimination and reactive power compensation. Due to various remarkable disadvantages like constant compensation performance, large size, resonance, etc., the usage became less. To mitigate the reactive power compensation and harmonics, active power filters (APF) became more prominent as the performance characteristics are very effective compared to conventional filters. APF is the device that generally produces an equal quantity of harmonics when compared with the load with a phase shift of 1800. These harmonics are injected into the linear PCC, load current harmonics mitigate, and supply becomes sinusoidal. The active power filters are broadly classified as series APF and shunt APF. The basic structure of shunt APF is illustrated in Figure.1, which mitigates the load current harmonics by inserting equal but opposite harmonic compensating current. Several authors have conducted research on grid integration using RES, active power filters, PQ issues, and various types of controllers designed to mitigate in the hybrid integrated system. In this work, THD reduction under non-linear load, unbalanced load without filter, with passive filter, with active power filter using a PI controller, and the proposed controller is introduced, which results in the best reduction of harmonics under various load conditions.

Practical implementation of the research

The proposed system is designed using both passive and active filters. The designed model improves the filer’s compensation characteristics, reducing the disadvantages of both active and passive filters. In this proposed work, HSHAPF is implemented with the combination of LC passive filter and voltage source PWM converter illustrated in Figure. 2, which illustrates the RES and HSHAPF connected to the grid. This design is tested at various loads, such as non-linear loads and unbalanced loads. Both filters’ characteristics are designed to provide the best performance under different operating conditions. To filter out the harmonics, the designed structure is modelled with storage systems using the battery, DC link and switches with antiparallel diodes. At PCC compensating current is injected using a voltage source converter to mitigate the harmonics. To overcome the power rating required for the PWM converter, the system is modelled using both active as well as passive filters to mitigate the harmonics. Here power MOSFETs are used in designing the PWM converters, which is cost-effective. To eliminate the harmonic at the PCC, equal and opposite magnitude harmonic current has to be injected, which also improves the PQ in the distribution system.

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Start-ups are the centers of innovation. Ideas may seem easy, but their implementation is not. Dr Udaya Shankar from the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is ready to confront the challenges of innovation by registering his new start-up, OMACS.

OMACS envisions becoming the best research lab and product company within the next five years. The company’s motto is based on the 3P’s, that is, patents, papers, and product prototypes. The mission is to collaborate with world-class researchers experienced in both academy and industry. This will bring together the best advisors who have expertise in research and industry in the areas of AI and Game theory applications to Visual Inspection systems, 5G wireless communication networks, NFTs for Telecom, and Agriculture Robotics.

This company will be focused on developing products based on AI/ML-based visual inspection systems, Advanced wireless communications, NFTs for telecom, etc. Currently, five students from the university are interning with him and helping him develop the products.

Nine members are already being trained in the respected areas by enjoying their exposure to the industry environment. Four more interns are to be recruited for the ongoing projects. OMACS is in discussion with other start-up companies to offer research support to them. After six months of its implementation, the start-up plan to provide employment to some of the students in the university and recruit world-class people.

Mr Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director of Entrepreneurship, has helped him to initiate the start-up under the Hatchlab Incubation Centre of the university. “In every step of the journey of OMACS, we got all the support from Hatchlab. We are thankful to Hatchlab for their constant support and encouragement,” said Dr Udaya Shankar as he recollected the dynamics of Hatchlab and OMACS.

Click to visit the company website

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The office of International Relations and Higher Studies at SRM University-AP organised an Embassy Connect Programme, in which ambassadors, education attaches, cultural attaches of more than 14 countries and joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries of various regions from the Ministry of External Affairs participated.

Dr Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, Associate Director, Office of International Relations and Higher Studies at SRM University-AP, facilitated the Embassy Connect hosted in Delhi. The interaction aimed to build a bridge between the participating countries and India by promoting and providing high-quality higher educational programmes and opportunities to all sections and geographies.

Dy. Secretary for States from MEA – Mr Srinivas Reddy welcomed the gathering and emphasised the initiatives taken by the Government of India and how SRM University-AP can play a vital role in catering to global higher educational needs. Mr Aldrin Herwany, Education Attache from the Embassy of Indonesia, expressed keen interest in collaborating with SRM University- AP for exchange programmes, joint research and collaborations. While sharing some of his thoughts Mr Mahmoud A Ejweli, academic attache from the Embassy of Libya, said that India and Libya had always shared common interests almost since 1960 across several domains of Construction, Education and Health Care. He also added that India is the most sought destination for education.

Mr Sevala Naik, joint Secretary for West Africa, shared the steps and framework put in place to promote and extend quality education to African nations. He also mentioned that SRM University is one of the few institutions that have been approved by the grant commission of India to support and cater to the digital/virtual educational needs of African Countries, and already 400 plus students have been enrolled this semester from African regions into SRM University through this initiative. He also strongly emphasised that Indian education is one of the strongest, most economical and second to none of world-class institutions. He said India is bridging gaps between nations through one of the strongest pillars of education and knowledge transfer and applauded the contribution by SRM University-AP in this regard. Dr Naga Swetha shared the support and initiatives taken up, various scholarships being extended to African, SAARC and other nations by SRM University-AP, stressing on the vision of SRM University-AP’s management to cater world-class education to every aspiring and deserving student irrespective of class/creed/region.

Dr Naga Swetha emphasised and shared that SRM University-AP is home to a diverse, vibrant, and talented international student body. The office of International Relations and Higher Studies mete out effective services to the international student and scholar community. She also shared how the university is constantly thriving and becoming a global hub for opportunities, higher education, and entrepreneurship as it embarks on its 6th year of academic and research excellence.

The dignitaries from various embassies included Mr Elia Sevutia (Fiji), Mr Dolay Tshering (Bhutan), Mr Venkita Subramanian (Uzbekistan), Dr Om al Khair Abdullah Ahmed al Saaidi (Yemen), Mr Aldrin Herwany (Indonesia), Mr Sediqullah Sahar (Afghanistan), Ms Khadija Iman Einte (Somalia), Mr Mohammed A M Alghouwawi and Mr Mahmoud A Ejweli (Libya), Mr Roman Masarik (Czech Republic), Mr Eric Missah (Ghana), Mr Sevala Naik and Mr C Rajsekhar Reddy (Ministry of External Affairs, India), Vitali R. Moroz, third secretary, Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India, Roman Masarik, Charge d Affairs, Embassy of the Czech Republic In New Delhi, Dr Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, Associate Director – International Relations, SRM University-AP extended vote of thanks.

 

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A two-day DST-INSPIRE Subject Expert Committee meeting was held on July 14 & 15 at SRM University-AP campus. Experts in the area of Physical Sciences from across the country gathered at the university to evaluate this year’s INSPIRE Fellowship applications in Physical Sciences.

INSPIRE Fellowship component offers 1000 Fellowships every year for carrying out doctoral degrees in both basic and applied sciences, including engineering and medicine, in the age group of 22-27 years.

The Chairperson of the Expert Committee in the area of Physical Sciences was Dr Dinakar Kanjilal, Professor, Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. “The fellowship ensures geographical distribution of excellence, and we look forward to more applicants from SRM AP”, Prof. Kanjilal said. Since its inception, SRM University-AP has INSPIRE Fellows as faculty members in the various departments of Sciences.

University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao, who also is the co-chair of the expert committee, said that it is gratifying to know that the PhD students have chosen to enrol in reputed universities and institutes. The applicants have chosen extremely accomplished scientists and faculty members as their research supervisors. “We are glad that 61 are girl students out of the 116 applications we received”, highlighted Prof D Narayana Rao. He expressed his happiness about the increasing number of women representation in Indian academia.

The other eminent scientists in the INSPIRE Fellowship selection committee included Member Secretary Dr Umesh K Sharma, Prof. Shikha Verma, Dr G. Vijaya Prakash, Dr AnandamayeeTej, Dr Rajendra Prasad Pant and Dr Arjit Chowdhuri.

Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)” is a flagship scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, which aims to attract meritorious youth to study basic and natural sciences at the college and university level and to pursue research careers in both basic and applied science areas including engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences.

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